Editor's note: The following story appears in the Aug. 2 edition of the Daily Express. Our annual Progress Edition is themed "Unlocking our future" and examines workforce development, lifestyle improvement and what it takes to succeed in local business. Pick up your copy at the Daily Express office, 110 E. McPherson St.

Now that the Orange & Black Foundation has seen their goal of building the new entrance to Spainhower Field come to fruition, what is next for the club and for the Kirksville football program?

The answer to that question is a simple and yet complex one. On the one hand the foundation has many ideas and projects in the works, but also there is one goal that will always be at the forefront.

The Orange & Black have already helped provide the Tigers with a new practice field, funded support for the summer camp, as well as provided new practice equipment to the varsity team along with new uniforms and equipment to the middle school. The foundation's biggest and signature project is the entrance, a project for which the Orange & Black raised $100,000 and is more than 90 percent of the way to the goal.

"Once the brick and motor starts to go up I think that will be a big sign to people around town and give them a feeling that this is a great thing that is going on," said Orange & Black board member Mike Miletich.

But the overall goal for the organization is to help build a connection from past to present Tigers, as well as increasing the interactions between the community and the players and coaches.

"The football team and athletic programs, represent the town of Kirksville wherever they go. A lot people in towns like Boonville or Marshall may not make the trip to Kirksville, so the athletes represent the town. It used to be our town against your town, and gave people pride to say our town is better than your town. I don't see why that should change now," said Miletich.

Fellow board member Andy Grimm also believes that to move forward, bringing everyone together is a must.

"What's a successful football program? I put the win-loss record somewhere in the middle of the pack. A program that develops strong character in all the kids, one that develops a work ethic, a sense of pride, accomplishment, and family, that is a successful program. That becomes a lot easier when you have a community that also believes that," said Grimm.

Building that type of program and continuing the needed support is a difficult thing to put your finger on.

"Being part of a program that has ties to its history and gives the kids a sense of direction is an easy thing to say, but hard to do. They are doing that now, but you can't have enough of it," said Miletich.

Page 2 of 2 - Although it may be difficult, it is something that needs to be done.

"It is important to have a football program that builds strong men that become successful and return to their foundation. That is the kind of program we would like to build," said Grimm.

Starting the process begins with connecting the generations and making the current players aware of who came before them.

"Cliff Lewis has two boys in school and Lewis is out teaching kids running back drills. That is something you don't get in every community. That is a tremendous benefit," said Grimm.

Lewis played for the Tigers in the late '80s and was in the backfield with Chris Pickett when he set the school's single-game rushing record in 1988.

A huge focus for the organization is getting the players of the past in front of the players of today.

"It is important to keep these guys in front of the kids so that they know who they are representing and who they are playing for," said Miletich.

By doing this it makes it much easier to build that sense of pride and respect. The Foundation wants to make sure that the players are the face of the Orange & Black. One of the many ways to make this happen is to pair each home game with a special night, much like they did last season with the Hall of Fame night. Bringing back and honoring former players not only allows the players to connect, but gives the fans the ability to re-connect. This is likely going to be the main focus of the foundation this season, and likely in years to come.

They also have plans to continue upgrading the facilities in terms of new locker rooms, practice equipment, and of course staying up to date with the newest equipment.

Although things can seem complicated and maybe a bit overwhelming, the Orange & Black are focused on the connection between history, community, and players.

"Kirksville started as a force, then they went through some up and down times, with coaching turnover. That culture got lost. They got it back for a couple years and then it got away from them. It is important to keep that alive. We know the value in having a positive culture," said Miletich.

Sorting through the ideas and possibilities may be difficult, but the foundation always keeps their focus simple.

"It's not a crazy concept, we just want the kids to have a good program. We have a lot of good ideas that we have in store for the future to help make that come to life," said Grimm.